How long do they live?
With proper care, retired racing greyhounds will live twelve years or more.

What color are greyhounds?
Greyhounds are many colors - brindle, blue, white, black, fawn, red, or a combination of these colors. The name "greyhound" is not derived from the color of the animal, but may have roots in Latin or Greek history.

Is there much difference between males and females?
Other than size, not really. Males and females are equally calm, loving, and sociable.

How big are greyhounds?
Greyhound males average 26 to 30 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 65 and 85 pounds. Females stand 23 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 50 to 65 pounds.

How fast can they run?
Greyhounds can run at speeds up to 45 miles per hour.

What do greyhounds eat?
They usually eat four to six cups of high-quality dry dog food mixed with warm water each day. Crunchy dog biscuits supplement their diet and help keep their teeth clean. Vanilla wafers or large marshmallows are special treats.

Are greyhounds difficult to housebreak?
At the track, greyhounds are "turned out" four times a day to relieve themselves. They have been trained to go outside and to keep their kennels clean. At home, the retired racer quickly learns that the house is the kennel and outside is where they go to relieve themselves. Frequent walks and use of a crate helps the greyhound adjust to home life.

How are greyhounds with kids?
Greyhounds are calm, gentle dogs and make great companions for people of all ages. As with any dog, children should be taught to play nicely with the greyhound. No animal should be expected to tolerate painful treatment or constant teasing.

Do they get along with other pets?
Greyhounds spend their racing lives in the company of other dogs. They are friendly and sociable by nature. Most greyhounds have never been around small animals, but with time and care they learn to accept other animals as members of the family. A small minority of retired racers have a high prey drive and need to live in homes without cats or small pets.

Do they make good watchdogs?
Not really. Some greyhounds will bark at strangers, but that is usually out of excitement, not because they are aggressive. Their size may be intimidating to those who do not know them, however. Greyhounds are friendly and quiet, and not very threatening.

Aren't greyhounds high-strung and don't they need a lot of exercise?
Not at all! They are among the most docile of breeds and form strong bonds with their families. Greyhounds are as active as their owners. Like other dogs, they enjoy a daily walk and the occasional opportunity to run, unleashed, in a completely enclosed area such as your backyard or a sports field. As racers they are sprinters and will need time to build up endurance for longer distances, just like people do.

Can greyhounds be allowed to run off-leash?
Only in completely enclosed areas. Otherwise, the greyhound should never be allowed to run off-leash. The risk of injury or loss of the greyhound is just too great. (Leash laws also prohibit owners from allowing their dogs to wander off-leash.) Greyhounds are taught to walk on a leash at an early age and enjoy the exercise as well as the attention they receive from people who pass by.

Will invisible fencing keep a greyhound in my yard?
We do not recommend invisible fencing for your greyhound. When a greyhound hits the perimeter of your yard at 40+ mph, he or she will barely feel the shock and will just ignore it. The only thing on the greyhound's mind at that point is the squirrel in the yard across the street. Once beyond the fence, the greyhound is gone. (Also, invisible fencing does not keep other animals from entering your yard.)

Can a greyhound be tied out on a lead?
No. Greyhounds are not used to being tied up, and due to their quick acceleration, they can severely injure themselves when they come to the end of the tie-out.

How do they tolerate winter weather?
Greyhounds are indoor dogs. They cannot live in outdoor kennels. Because of their short thin hair and low percentage of body fat, they do not tolerate extended periods of exposure to extreme heat or cold. The greyhound gets through a cold winter the same way we do -- with the aid of a warm sweater or coat.

How much does a retired racing greyhound cost?
Northern Lights Greyhound Adoption requests a donation of $175. This nominal fee covers neutering or spaying, nail trimming, all vaccinations, and a complete health exam. In addition, Northern Lights will provide you with your choice of collar and leash, support from your greyhound adoption coordinator, and a subscription to Northern Lights' newsletter Chasing Tales.

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